equine: horse health, disease prevention, and parasite control

Tetanus

Eastern Encephalomyelitis

Western Encephalomyelitis

Rhinopneumonitis

all horses should be vaccinated annually against __

Tetanus Antitoxin

if your horse wounds himself, especially a puncture wound, it is suggested that the horse receives __, even if it was vaccinated for tetanus earlier in the year

Coggins Test

before you buy a horse, have a __ performed to be sure it is not a carrier of Equine Infectious Anemia

Equine Infectious Anemia

there is no vaccine or cure for this viral disease, so many shows, sales, and farms require a negative test to participate in their activities.

Flies, Mosquitos, Opossums, and Birds

control of __ is a big part of minimizing disease

Flies, Mosquitos, Opossums, and Birds

they are the carriers of the disease-causing organisms

Proper manure disposal

Proper composting

Removal of standing water

Keeping the area sanitized

helps reduce infestation and spread of disease

Internal Parasite Infestation

horses are susceptible to __

Regular deworming

Proper waste and pasture management

parasites can be controlled through __

Weight loss

Rough hair coat

Loss of appetite

Listlessness

Tail rubbing

Colic

some indications of parasite infestation are __

Strongyles (bloodworms)

Ascarids (roundworms)

Bots

Pinworms

the most prevalent parasites are

4 to 6 times per year

it is recommended that your horse be dewormed __

Herd Size and Stocking Rate

the frequency of deworming needed varies based on __

Feed Additives

Oral Tube of Paste

Stomach Tubes

common methods of deworming:

Feed Additives

if the additive is in the daily feed, it will need to be boosted with a bolus deworming treatment periodically.

Oral Tubes of Paste

most deworming medications are now available in easy to use tubes

Stomach Tubes

this method involves passing a tube through the horse’s nose and into its stomach, so should only be performed by a veterinarian

Anthelmintic (Deworming Medication)

when developing a deworming program, it is necessary to rotate the type of __ used because parasites can develop a tolerance to compounds over time, and eventually become resistant

Lice, Ticks, Grubs, and Ringworm

external parasites such as __ are seldom a problem if the horse is kept clean and groomed regularly

Weight loss

Whole kernels of grain in the manure

Slobbering while eating.

indications of sharp points on the molars are __

Wolf Teeth

some horses also develop __ on the top jaw just in front of the first molars

Older Horses

It is especially important to check the teeth of __ regularly, as they are more likely to have dental problems requiring the attention of a veterinarian skilled in equine dentistry, or an equine dentist.

Shock Absorber

the function of the horse’s hoof is to act as a __

3-5inches ; 6-8weeks

your horse’s hooves grow __ per year, the hooves need to be trimmed by a farrier every __

Shod (wear shoes)

not all horses need to be __

Shoes

if you plan on riding on rough surfaces, along roads, going to shows, etc., then you should put __ on the horse

Colic and Laminitis

__ are two of the most devastating diseases facing horses, and good management can reduce the incidence of either disease.

Colic

__ is a general term for severe abdominal discomfort

Gas Colic, Impaction Colic, Twisted Colic

three forms of colic

Gas Colic

a build up of gas in the gastro intestinal tract

Impaction Colic

blockage of the intestinal tract preventing normal movement of the digesta.

Twisted Colic

a part of the gastrointestinal tract becomes twisted, causing pain and potentially permanently damaging or killing part of the GI tract

Exercising

never allow your horse to eat a meal or drink unlimited water immediately after __ because this can cause colic or founder

Tack

the most effective way to cool the horse out is to remove the __, hose the horse down to remove sweat and dirt, and walk the horse at its own pace, allowing it to take a few sips of water periodically